In the Gospel of Luke 19, Jesus was actively fulfilling the purpose of His coming – ‘to seek and to save that which was lost’ all the way into the last days before His death on the Cross (Lk 19:10, 15:3-7). Zacchaeus, a tax collector with authority from the Roman government, earned his living by collecting from the people more than he should have. The fact that he was a chief collector probably meant he oversaw the district or region, which was relatively prosperous at the time. People generally despise tax collectors because of their greed and their position. On the contrary, Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus, who was considered undesirable by society.

Zacchaeus was ostracised and rejected by his community. Zacchaeus was therefore regarded as ‘a man who was a sinner’ (v.6). Zacchaeus was not only regarded as a traitor and a collaborator, but he also sold his soul to Rome for a pot of money. Zacchaeus’ wealth could not buy him respect among the people. He had an empty hole in his life; hence, he felt isolated and alienated. In response to human isolation, Zacchaeus sought not just to see Jesus but to know ‘who Jesus is.’ Zacchaeus, despite his small stature, went the extra mile in his eagerness and longing to fulfil his quest to know Jesus, repositioning himself and enduring the shame of climbing a tree, regardless of his status and position in the community as a wealthy ‘ruler.’

Zacchaeus repositioned himself to see Jesus beyond the barriers and hostility of the crowd by climbing a tree like a little boy, eager to see Jesus. Jesus stops at the bottom of the sycamore tree, looks up and says, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” The Good News and lesson about Zacchaeus are that, before we ever come seeking Jesus, Jesus is seeking us. Jesus stops in front of the sycamore tree, looks up and calls us by name. Beloved, Jesus knows you by name, and he wants to spend time with you.

Jesus’ concern for Zacchaeus is a challenge to us to take Jesus Christ’s message to those many people who might be considered “undesirables” of our society. Zacchaeus serves as a good example of how we all should respond when Jesus comes our way, through repentance and restitution for our past failures. Zacchaeus had a strong desire to encounter Jesus; he was quick to respond to Jesus’ call, and he proved his change of heart with actions —joyful obedience —producing ‘fruit’ as a demonstration of true repentance.

Zacchaeus is a good example of repositioning: a change in seeing and knowing Jesus requires true confession of sin and genuine faith in Jesus Christ, the kind that brings spiritual salvation. The repositioning will result in a positive character change evident in godly actions. No one can become acquainted with Jesus Christ, accept His offer of salvation and at the same time remain defiant, dishonest and uncharitable towards others. Zacchaeus reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background or reputation. Encountering Jesus, as Zacchaeus did, leads to a transformed life, shaped by repentance and restitution, and to genuine, redeeming love for others.